All up, Kansas is blessed with 28 sensational state parks that lie within its 214,000 km² boundaries.
Whether you are into swimming, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, hunting, camping or just straight up relaxing, The Sunflower State has somewhere appropriate for you.
What is great about these parks is that many of them offer hundreds of miles of trails, as well as shimmering lakes and plenty of scenic wildlife areas.
They also offer a range of camping options that include everything from primitive camping sites to full hook-ups that come with water and electricity. So even though you are in the middle of an area of exquisite natural beauty, you can still have access to some of your favorite mod-cons.
For those who live in, or around Dodge City, many of these state parks can be easily reached by car. Including the five we have showcased below.
Map of State Parks Near Dodge City KS
Here is a map of the state parks in Kansas covered in this post:
List of State Parks Near Dodge City
1. Meade State Park
Distance from Dodge City: about 47 miles southwest of Dodge City (straight-line).
Location: 12165 S. V Rd, Meade, KS 67864
At just an hour’s drive south of Dodge City, the Meade State Park is the closest to the city.
You will find this park near the town of Red Hills, within the southwest Kansas high plains. With around 80 acres of water, it is a year-round haven for those who love fishing. As there is an abundance of crappie, trout, catfish, bluegill, channel cat, largemouth bass, saugeye and flathead catfish to be caught.
If you are into hunting, you should be able to bag quail and doves in their scenic 360-acre wildlife area. While nature loves will also be able to explore the wonderful flora and fauna that call the park home.
Camping accommodation takes the form of 54 primitive sites, as well as 42 sites that come with water and electricity. Although sewer is not provided, you do have access to a dump station here.
See our full Meade State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
2. Cedar Bluff State Park
Distance from Dodge City: about 71 miles north of Dodge City (straight-line).
Location: 32001 KS-147, Ellis, KS 67637
Nestled on the picturesque shoreline of the 680-acre Cedar Bluff Reservoir, the Cedar Bluff State Park is divided into two, unique areas. The Bluffton Area, which is located on the north shore and the Page Creek Area on the south shore.
It will take you 90 minutes to drive north there from Dodge City, but when you get there you will be able to enjoy a range of recreational activities including fishing, swimming on the beach, sand volleyball, shore side basketball, BMX bicycling and horseshoes.
This area is also popular among kayakers, boaters, jet skiers and SUP, while there are plenty of outdoor areas for hikers to explore.
There are campgrounds on both the north and south shore, as well as boat ramp facilities, two showerhouses and picnic areas. You will also find toilets and other amenities here too.
See our full Cedar Bluff State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
3. Lake Scott State Park
Distance from Dodge City: about 80 miles northwest of Dodge City (straight-line).
Location: West Scott Lake Drive, Kansas
Lake Scott State Park is a 1,280-acre (520 ha) Kansas state park in Scott County, Kansas in the United States.
See our full Lake Scott State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
4. Alabaster Caverns State Park
Distance from Dodge City: about 83 miles southeast of Dodge City (straight-line).
Alabaster Caverns State Park is a 200-acre (0.81 km2) state park approximately 4.5 miles (7.2 km) south of Freedom, Oklahoma, United States near Oklahoma State Highway 50.
See our full Alabaster Caverns State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
5. Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park
Distance from Dodge City: about 86 miles northwest of Dodge City (straight-line).
Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park protects a mile-long stretch of 100-foot spires and cliffs of Niobrara Chalk laid down about 85 million years ago; the 332-acre park opened in 2019, and a visitor center is under construction, expected to open in early 2027. Source: Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, checked October 2026.
See our full Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
